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As a frequent speaker at live and online conferences and events, I’m in the company of hundreds of folks each year who are top authors, experts and consultants. In many cases, these are thought leaders who perform public speaking as just one aspect of their professional endeavors. In attending these programs, I’m continually astounded at how many content experts are, in fact, wholly ineffective speakers.

In my studies on communications theory in practice, and in developing my own speaking chops, I’ve learned one core lesson about presenting: just because you know your topic inside and out, doesn’t mean you know how to communicate about it, or share your knowledge in ways that engage and connect, or spark continuing interest in your work.

My colleague, Krista Carnes, Founder of Booking Authors -- a consulting firm that helps experts and authors connect with new opportunities and audiences, and a member of the Maestro Market start up team – shared this:

“One big mistake I find is the incorrect assumption that speaking at a “big name” event or two is the only way to get attention. There are no “small” events when you’re starting out. Most people, no matter how much passion they have, are simply not ready to get in front of large audiences. In striving for those large opportunities only, many overlook exciting, creative ways to engage with their communities and tribes – ways that nurture the development of presentation skills and personal presence that are crucial in today’s digitally-driven age.”

Observing amazing and powerful speakers who move and motivate us (watch some TED Talks for inspiring examples), and comparing them to ineffective speakers, I’ve observed five core behaviors that keep speakers from achieving their key goals – to motivate, enliven, inform and educate. Below are the top five mistakes content experts often make as speakers when trying to engage audiences, stimulate crowds, and connect deeply with others.

I’ve made some of these mistakes myself, and have lived the experience of losing an audience. None of us are born astounding speakers, and there’s always more to learn, but the first step is to acknowledge your own gaps.

TOP 5 PUBLIC SPEAKING MISTAKES – FAILING TO...

1. Meet the Audience Where They Are

First and foremost, speakers must remember that their deep knowledge about a topic isn’t (usually)shared by the audience. Listeners aren’t in the same place you are – they haven’t spent years studying this area, researching it, living it. It’s new to them. So you must meet your audience where they are, finding a way to hook them in. Then take them on a stimulating journey of initial discovery through full-out engagement so that your key points can be understood and embraced. Assuming that they know what you know, or care in the way you care, is a mistake. You have to generate a significant level of interest from the beginning, and pique that interest continually throughout your presentation.